After 25 years, Needham store Party Works closes its doors

After 25 years of business, party goods store Party Works is closing its doors.

On April 26, owners put up a sign announcing a “Retirement Sale” that will slash prices on all items from 30 to 70 percent. Discounts will deepen until the store closes on May 31.

Owner Lori Kelly describes closing the store as “retiring,” an opportunity for her and her mother, Dianne Nahabedian, to explore the world outside of retail. The mother-daughter duo has owned and operated the store in the MetroWest area since 1989 and in Needham at 679 Highland Avenue since 1991.

“We’ve been doing this for a long time,” said Kelly. “The opportunity came, so we’re taking advantage of it.”

The store sells a variety of party, event and theme items ranging from paper plates to pirate hats. Its selection currently includes products for Purim, Easter and graduation, but the selection changes depending on the season.

Kelly said her business proved economy-resilient over the years.

“People are always celebrating. Whether it’s a good or bad economy, you still had Christmas, you still turned four, you still had a bridal shower,” she said.

However, Kelly cited a variety of challenges that Party Works has faced as well.

With competitive pricing, the emergence of temporary stores that pop up around Halloween and a shift toward the Internet and online sales, Kelly and Nahabedian “knew eventually the day would come. You can’t do anything forever,” she said.

“Needham’s been a great community. I would tell anyone that wants to own a independent family run business to go to Needham,” said Kelly.

Needham Business Association board member Paul Good pointed to the rise in competition as a possible factor in the closing.

Arts and crafts retailers Michaels has announced its plans to move into the former of Filene’s Basement in Newton, less than 2 miles away from Party Works.

“I would think that Michaels moving into that location would take away some business,” he said.

Good said Party Works was a one-of-kind local business that will be leaving a void in the community.

“There are a lot of families who used Party Works for all kinds of festivities,” he said. “It’s the only place you could go to for birthdays, Halloween, themed parties, a variety of things.”

The closing of Party Works means that there is one less locally and independently owned business in town, he said.

“Small business is really the foundation of local economy. I think it’s sad anytime we lose an independent business that gets crowded out by large chains,” said Good.

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